Akiko!! YAY. So excited for her. As always she sold the program, but she had the tech elements to boot. If you remember, her 2009-2010 layout was (3F-2T, 3L, 2A = 15 BV) This year it's (3T-3T, 3Z, 2A =17.5). And not a single negative GOE ANYWHERE. Also I appreciate her working on flutz too. That lutz clearly was on the outside edge today. =)

I like Mao's program and I think it's well choregoraphed and the music cuts work well, esp. considering it's an overplayed piece. She would have been in second if she just did the 2A. That is what made up a majority of Alena's lead.

Still don't like Alena's program, but I do admit she can sell the judges pretty well, which probably helped her here.

Probably would've switched Elene and Ashley. Ashley was smart not to not include her flutz as she scored better here; I said she has an outside chance for a medal.

No, I understand that NHK won't allow the videos being uploaded due to copyright laws. What I meant was I don't understand why the poster would say that she would "stop being a fan of Japanese ladies and cheer on everybody but the Japanese" because NHK is blocking the videos. No correlation there.

Yey for Akiko!! Oh, I hope she keeps it up in the long. I just loved her program and her reaction at the end and the way she got the crowd going, everything. Finally, she gets a score she deserves. how great was it to see her land a 3-3? (And nice to see her land her jumps, as that has been her problem in the past too, to be fair.)

I was too busy noticing how pretty Mao's costume was to notice how skinny she is but now that people mention it seems true. Still, I didn't think she looked as tense as some people say. I thought her smile was genuine and she looked relaxed in the end even though the program wasn't perfect. Too bad about the singled axel but the program was lovely, I think. I hope she grows into it more and gets into the character. Her costume makes her stand out from the rest - in a good way - and then, of course, the overall quality of her skating lives up to that. It was wonderful to watch her again. I think the long will be a truer test of her stamina and where her jumps are at right now. I am totally rooting for her as always.

Alena has grown on me. At least you know she's going to do something different and weird and ... why not? As usual, I'm torn between hating and liking her program but at least I have fun watching it. Her jumps looked huge and fast in the air. Good for her.

The rest of the crowd did as I would have pretty much expected... except I wish Agnes had done a little better. But it's early in the season for her. I think it's a matter of concentration and nerves for Agnes. When she puts together two clean programs at a senior event then we'll be able to really see how competitive she is with the rest. It's sort of a question mark right now.

No, I understand that NHK won't allow the videos being uploaded due to copyright laws. What I meant was I don't understand why the poster would say that she would "stop being a fan of Japanese ladies and cheer on everybody but the Japanese" because NHK is blocking the videos. No correlation there.

Oh no... Seems like I made error on quotation. I just want to tell katia where she/he can watch performances.

Mirai needs to watch someone like Akkiko to see someone who actually performs her program and doesn't skate through the music. Heck Suzuki even landed a 3-3 combo for the first time ever at age 26 which is almost unheard of. I'm tired of watching Mirai just go thought the motions with no energy or heart. I don't think any coach can help her at this point she needs to help herself.

The top3 looks good to me.
Akiko was perfect,even I'll worry for her later season like National or Championship.Both of hers are ones of my favorites this seasom.
Elena looked in good shape,too. She needs polish her SS compered with other top skaters in my opinion.
Mao kicks off the season with good start for a "slow starter". Shame on the popped axel,this programs has potential to be another master piece for her.
Can't wait her FP with minor change.